Excessive armpit sweating can simply mean that you have overactive sweat glands, but it can also point to quite a few serious medical conditions. You should visit your doctor before attempting to correct excessive sweating issues with home remedies. Many natural medicine practitioners believe that these remedies will ease the symptoms of excessive armpit sweating, but none of them should be used to treat the problem in lieu of professional medical care.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be used to treat the odor that's associated with excessive armpit sweating. According to "The Healing Powers of Apple Cider Vinegar," the vinegar has antibacterial properties that will kill odor-causing bacteria that collect in the moisture. It also refreshes the area, taking away excess sweat. Soak a cotton ball or small washcloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it to your underarms three to four times daily. You should seek a doctor's care before using vinegar under your arms; apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can irritate pre-existing skin conditions that cause excess armpit sweating.
Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs moisture and kills bacteria, so it's often used as a home remedy for excessive armpit sweating. It also has the added perk of being odor-free, and it rarely irritates sensitive skin. Dust 1/2 to 1 tsp. of baking soda under each of your arms after you apply deodorant in the morning, and repeat as needed throughout the day. Baking soda can be messy and it's not proven as an effective antiperspirant, so you should not discontinue use of your regular deodorant.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, available in liquid form at most health-food stores, is an astringent herb that has natural antibacterial properties. The book "Better Basics for the Home" reports that it's often included in homemade and natural deodorants because it can ease profuse sweating and eliminate odor. Try soaking a cotton pad with witch hazel and applying it directly to your armpits first thing in the morning. Witch hazel is generally mild, but can irritate very sensitive skin. Get your doctor's OK before using witch hazel.
Tea-Tree Oil
Tea-tree oil, which has a sweet, woodsy scent, can help kill bacteria and decrease sweating in small amounts. Measure out 1 to 2 drops of the oil into your palm and rub it into your armpits each morning before putting on deodorant. Pure tea-tree oil can cause rashes or redness in sensitive skin. If it irritates your underarms, try mixing a drop of the oil with 3 to 4 drops of a neutral carrier oil, such as olive oil, before applying it.
References
- "1,801 Home Remedies"; Editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
- "The Healing Powers of Vinegar"; Cal Orey; 2009
- "Better Basics for the Home"; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
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